There are few dishes as universally loved as Chicken Parmesan. It’s a meal that makes your taste buds stand up and salute, a symphony of flavors that simply screams “delizioso!” This is one chicken that’s not afraid to ruffle feathers, combining crispy breaded chicken, rich tomato sauce, and melty mozzarella cheese. 🍗🍅🧀
The humble chicken parm was born in the kitchens of Italian-American households, a delightful mish-mash of cultures, flavors, and culinary techniques. Our take on this classic dish brings together the perfect blend of old world charm and modern convenience, ensuring a dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners, and wow-worthy enough for guests. 😋🍽️
A Symphony of Flavors
The secret to a perfect chicken parm is its layering. First, there’s the chicken, thinly sliced and breaded with a mixture of breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese. It’s all about the crunch – that delightful, crispy exterior that conceals a juicy, tender chicken within. A proper crunch takes the dish from ordinary to extraordinary. It’s truly a sound to behold! 🎵
Tip: For the best results, use fresh breadcrumbs – they give a far superior texture and flavor compared to store-bought versions.
The Sauce That Makes You Say “Mamma Mia!”
Next comes the sauce, a tangy, sweet, and savory medley of ripe tomatoes, garlic, and basil. It’s simmered until it’s bursting with flavor – a symphony in its own right. The sauce is the soul of the dish, giving life to the chicken and bringing a touch of Italian flair to your dinner table. 🌿🍅
Tip: Use San Marzano tomatoes for your sauce. They have a sweeter, less acidic flavor, making them perfect for a rich and robust sauce.
The crowning glory of the chicken parm is the cheese. Mozzarella and Parmesan work in harmony, providing the perfect balance of creaminess and sharpness. As the dish bakes, the cheese melts into a gooey, golden blanket of pure delight. 🧀
Tip: For a mouthwatering melt, opt for fresh mozzarella. It has a higher moisture content, which leads to a beautiful melt-in-your-mouth experience.
Wow-Worthy Chicken Parmesan
Course: Main CourseCuisine: Italian4
servings20
minutes30
minutes650
kcalA crispy, juicy chicken parm with rich tomato sauce and melted cheese that will make you say ‘Wow’.
Ingredients
2 chicken breasts, halved lengthwise
1 cup fresh breadcrumbs
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 can San Marzano tomatoes
2 cloves of garlic, minced
A handful of fresh basil leaves
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 tbsp olive oil
Directions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Combine breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese. Season the chicken with salt and pepper, then coat in the breadcrumb mixture.
- In a pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook until golden brown on both sides. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- In the same pan, add the garlic and cook until fragrant. Add the tomatoes and basil. Season with salt and pepper and let simmer for about 10 minutes until it thickens.
- Place the chicken in a baking dish. Top with the tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese. Bake for about 15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve your chicken parmesan with a side of pasta, garlic bread, or a fresh salad. Enjoy!
Notes
- Feel free to adjust the amount of cheese to your liking. Some like it extra cheesy! For a vegetarian twist, try substituting the chicken with eggplant.